Keep Your Car on the Road Longer

Posted on: December 20, 2015

A car is designed to get us from point A to point B. However, if we’re all being honest, we generally want our vehicle to do so much more than that. Everyone has their own preferences—for example, some people take great care about the model, make, and style of a car, while others don’t care at all about the exterior. Others want the latest and greatest, while some individuals simply want a reliable ride.

On the other hand, there are certain aspects that we think it’s safe to assume almost everyone wants out of a vehicle. Since they are such a big investment, people want to get the most out of their money. They want to feel comfortable driving their car for as long as they feel necessary. Lastly, people want enough room for their family size, and they most definitely want to feel safe.

The last thing any vehicle owner wants is to break down or have constant car issues. While there is no right or wrong as to buying new or used—that part depends on each individual situation and the person’s preferences—investing in a dependable car will pay off in the long run.

Besides buying a car that is trustworthy, there are extra steps you can take to ensure that your vehicle goes the distance. Here are four preventive care tips to keep your car on the road longer.

· Do your homework before you buy.

As we’ve stated before, the best way to ensure your car sticks around for a while is to buy a reliable vehicle. This means you have homework to do before you buy. While newer cars tend to be safer than older ones, the degree of dependability varies, depending on each company, model, and year of the model.

Take the time to do your homework before you test drive. Research the top models and makes in the current market. Ask questions at the dealership and ask your network for any suggestions. Also, take the time to choose a company that has a stellar reputation and which is good at supplying car parts. Lastly, it helps if you purchase from a manufacturer that is going to be in it for the long haul. Nothing makes parts skyrocket like a car or model that is no longer made.

· Consider an extended warranty.

While preventive care certainly helps keep your car in great condition for a longer period of time, it will not last forever. This means, as the automobile ages, parts will break or wear out. However, a great way to protect yourself is to purchase an extended warranty for your vehicle. This will ensure that your car is in the best mechanical shape possible and may even help you avoid those pricey repair bills.

· Know your specific recommendations.

Every vehicle has specific recommendations that that manufacturing company suggests. If you want your automobile to act as a well-oiled machine, you have to treat it as such. This means replacing your engine’s timing belt within the 100,000-mile mark, testing your battery fluid level multiple times a year, and going in for regular servicing.

· Slow down.

If you have road rage or are an aggressive driver, you won’t like to hear this! Driving hard and fast puts more strain on your car. Speeding puts an enormous amount of stress on your engine, which causes it to work harder and wear down quicker. Not only that, but speeding also increases your fuel consumption, which causes you to spend more when you fill up—something no one likes to do.

So, create a habit out of driving gently, and try to refrain from speeding. Slow down for bumps and potholes. Avoid putting your pedal to the metal, and drive at a reasonable speed. Your car will thank you for this.

· Always check your fluids.

A great way to keep your car on the road longer is to make a habit of checking and replacing your fluids. What most people don’t know is that not checking and replacing fluids can cause a much bigger issue in the long run. Just because you ignore it, it doesn’t go away. Here are the biggies and how often they should be replaced: